9 Best Squalane Oils – Olive Squalane Vs Sugarcane Squalane (Which Is Best?)

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If you’ve been seeking for the best squalane oils on the market, then you’ve hit the right page.

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The skin benefits of squalane oil has made it a staple in people’s skincare routine and for the fact that it’s a lightweight and non-comedogenic oil (won’t clog pores) makes it even more used and suitable for every skin type.

Therefore, if you want to incorporate squalane oil into your skincare routine to step-up your skin hydration, then you’ve chosen the right route. We’ve made a Intensive research to make a pick of the best squalane oils on the market.

We made sure that these chosen oils are 100% plant-derived, so if you’re a vegan, you’re definitely good-to-go with these oils. But before we proceed into that, let’s know what squalane is, for those who are new to this wonderful oil.

What Is Squalane Oil?

Squalane is a plant derived or hydrogenated oil which is used in its pure form or in cosmetic formulations for moisturizing, hydrating and soothing the skin.

Traditionally, squalene (with an “e“) is derived from shark liver oil — yes, the shark you know (the ocean animal), it is also present in human skin, it is a lipid fat, that is naturally produced by the oil glands in our skin to hydrate and maintain the barrier of our skin. But because sourcing began endangering the shark species, plant derived version of squalene was discovered, which is squalane (with an “a“).

This light-weight oil mimics our natural skin oil, which means when it’s applied on the skin, the skin recognizes it and takes it as its own

Our skin understands and compliments it due to its lightweight and non-comedogenic nature. Therefore, if you’re scared or worried that squalane is going to break you out, then you have absolutely nothing to worry about, because that is never going to happen.

How Is Squalane Oil Derived From Its Sources?

Squalane oil can be sourced from different plant source such as rice bran, beets, amaranth seed, wheat germ, but it’s mostly derived from two main source, olives and sugarcane.

  • Olives: During olive oil processing, squalene is extracted from the olive pulp, skin and pits, and then combined with hydrogen to become squalane.
  • Sugarcane: Rather than being extracted directly from the sugarcane itself, squalane is produced by bioengineered yeast that feed on the sugarcane.

Between Olive Squalane And Sugarcane Squalane Which Is Best To Choose From?

The chemical structure of squalane oil is the same regardless of the source. The only difference between the two sources are their differences in purity. Therefore, both squalane plant-derived sources are skin-healthy and also serve the same potentials to the skin.

Squalane oil from both olives and sugarcane are 75-94% pure depending on the manufacturer. They contain different impurities: olive squalane may contain sterol esters or paraffin, and sugarcane squalane may contain isosqualane or monocyclosqualane.

 

Therefore, the chemical structure of squalane oil remains the same regardless of the source it’s derived from. However, as seen in the chart above, there can be differences in purity.

According to this study, it is documented that both olive-derived and sugarcane-derived squalane can range between 74 and 95 percent purity. Since each has different impurities that can remain after hydrogenation, this could explain for precise variations in oil weight, absorption rate and even performance.

In Summary.

Both plant-derived sources of squalane oil serve the same skin benefits, however due to difference in purity of both sources could impact on individual experience.

Olive-derived squalane oil seems to be slightly-richer in texture than sugarcane-derived squalane oil, but the texture difference is slightly noticed as both are super light-weight, sinks into the skin almost immediately and won’t clog pores.

So, if you’ve had bad experience with olive oil in the past, or seems to be allergic to olives (or olive oil), you can go for sugarcane-derived squalane oil. Likewise the other way round, If you’ve had bad experience with sugarcane-derived squalane oil, you can try out olive squalane.

If you wish to go for squalane oil derived from shark-liver, as regards to its purity. You can shop for Mayumi Squalane Skin Oil.

Skin types differs, so shall personal experience differ too. But regardless, both plant-based oils are suitable for all skin types and delivers same skin benefits.

You should have in mind not to overwhelm your skin with too much oil, as this can trigger pore clog, no matter how light-weight an oil can be. Therefore, 2-3 drops of squalane oil for the entire face is just enough. While you apply 1-2 drops on your neck area.

If you feel your skin needs more squalane oil, you can mix 4-5 drops with your moisturizer in the palm of your hand prior to application.

Below are the best 100% plant-derived squalane oils.

1. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane.

Best The Ordinary products for dry skin

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A 100% plant derived cold-pressed squalane oil, to help support the skin with hydration, avoid moisture-loss that impairs dermal suppleness. Thereby increase skin superficial hydration for a adequately hydrated and moisturized skin. Read the full review here

  • Derived From: Sugarcane & Beets.

I mailed Deciem (The Ordinary), and they replied.

See screenshot below:

Best squalane oils

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Comes well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

  • None.

2. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil.

Squalan oil for skin

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Squalane oil from Biossance brand is one of the most raved squalane oil on the internet (behind The Ordinary brand). Derived from sugarcane to deliver intense hydration to the skin and balance skin oil production.

  • Derived From: Sugarcane.

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Comes well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

Expensive (but worths your money).

3. The Inkey List Squalane Oil.

Squalane for skin

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A 100% plant-derived and cold-pressed squalane oil, this time from another reputable brand similar to The Ordinary — The Inkey List.

This formula contains 100% plant-derived squalane oil for super-hydrated, healthy and glowing, supple skin.

  • Derived From: Sugarcane

The Inkey List finally updated the source of their squalane on their site.

See screenshot below:

Best Squalane oils, olive oil Squalane vs sugarcane Squalane

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Comes well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

  • Due to method of dispensing, product maybe hard to use.

4. Good Molecules Squalane Oil.

Squalane oil for skin

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An 100% plant-derived squalane oil from Good Molecules brand to support weightless superficial hydration and improve the looks of fine lines and wrinkles, with an overall glowing, supple and hydrated skin. Read the full review here

  • Derived From: Olives.

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

  • None.

5. Amara Beauty Weightless Moisture Squalane Oil.

Best squalane oils

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A lightweight squalane oil, and 100% plant-derived.

Highly stable and won’t oxidize on your skin to offer deep skin hydration and because it mimics skin’s natural sebum and rapidly penetrates to instantly hydrate and lock in moisture with no greasy residue.

  • Derived From: Sugarcane.

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

  • None.

6. Timeless Skin Care Squalane Oil.

Squalane for skin

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You must have heard about the all popular timeless vitamin C serum — you know what? They’ve got their plant-derived squalane oil too, sourced directly from olives to deeply hydrate chapped skin and regulate oil production.

  • Derived From: Olives.

Pros

  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

  • None.

7. Peter Thomas Roth Oiless Oil 100% Purified Squalane.

Saualane oil for skin

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Formulated with 100% plant-derived squalane that is derived from sustainable sugarcane, it penetrates deep into your skin to provide intensive hydration that absorbs quickly, yet still allows your skin to breathe, while leaving your skin nourished with improved elasticity for a firmer, smoother and more youthful-looking complexion.

  • Derived From: Sugarcane.

Pros

  • Well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

  • May not be suitable for everyone’s budget.

8. BeautyStat Universal Moisture Essence.

Squalane oil for skin

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Made from 100% pure squalane from sustainable sugar plants, which penetrates the skin barrier helping to boost moisture retention and relieve dryness while also helping to reverse UV damage and reduce wrinkles.

  • Derived From: Sugarcane.

Pros

  • Well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% pure and plant-derived.

Cons

  • Expensive (but worths your money).

9. Indie Lee Squalane Facial Oil.

Squalane oil for skin

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100% squalane oil from the finest source (olive driven), to help hydrate the skin, improve the appearance of texture and tone without leaving the skin greasy. Enjoy that satisfactory skin superficial hydration!!!.

  • Derived From: Olives.

Pros

  • Well packaged.
  • Cruelty-Free & contains no fragrance.
  • 100% plant-derived.

Cons

  • Expensive (but worths your money).

Possible Questions & Answers.

Q: Can I apply squalane oil on my lips?

A: Squalane oil isn’t only beneficial to the skin, it also extends its Intensive hydrating potentials to the lips. When applied on chapped lips, it optimally hydrates and nourishes it, leaving your kisser adequately hydrated and soft. Place 1-2 drops into the palm of your hand, using your finger tip, apply on your lips for hydration and nourishment.

Q: Can I apply squalane on my hair?

A: Yes of course, squalane oil isn’t only for the face and body. You can also apply the oil to your hair.

Squalane can replenish your strands and protect your hair from further damage. Place a few drops of squalane oil into the palm of your hand and massage into your hair to boost moisture.

Q: Can squalane oil be used on the nails and cuticles?

A: Aside the face and body, you can as well use squalane oil for nails and cuticles. Squalane helps fight excessive dryness that lead to symptoms such as, cracked cuticles, and chipped nails.

Q: How does squalane oil smells or tastes like?

A:  Squalane oil is completely, tasteless, and odorless oil.

 

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